Early Review: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost (Night Prince #2)

Leila’s psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn’t sure what the future holds. If that weren’t enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she’s also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won’t admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity…

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

———-

Twice Tempted is the second book in Jeaniene Frost’sNight Prince series. This is the second book all about Vlad. All together now say “yum”.

Yum indeed.

There is just something about this guy that makes you swoon. He is the very definition of alpha and can be a borderline jerk but he treats people well – as long as they don’t betray him. If they do then you don’t say “yum”, you say “Ouch” with a capital ‘O’. After all, Vlad is not known as ‘Vlad the Impaler’ for nothing. *shudder*

In the first book, Once Burned, Vlad meets Leila and we see how he is immediately taken by her. I liked how Leila didn’t put up with Vlad’s crap and I really enjoyed seeing indications, however small, that his feeling for her were growing – even if he didn’t see it. I think that is why I was so surprised at what happened near the beginning of Twice Tempted. I am not going to tell you exactly what happens because I want you to be as surprised as I was but I will say that no way did I ever see that coming. It does push Vlad, like he needed to be, and helps him discover that indeed he has true feelings for Leila but it still left me stunned. Well played Ms. Frost. Well played.

In the Night Huntress books, Vlad is cold and calculating. Powerful and intimidating. These are just some of the qualities that draw us to him. But is he the same way in his own books? This is a series dedicated to telling us how Vlad meets the love of his life after all. It is a series meant to showcase Vlad…in love. Vlad in love is still Vlad. He’s unrelenting and uncompromising yet…he is. He does things to make Leila happy but does it with a stern expression on his face. He is worried sick when she is injured but you couldn’t truly tell from looking at him. He is not your typical hero-in-love and that made me admire Jeaniene even more. She didn’t steer off course with Vlad. Vlad is Vlad, whether sticking his deceivers on poles in his front lawn or trying to convince Leila that she belongs with him. If Vlad suddenly started spewing sonnets from outside Leila’s window, I would have wondered what he was drinking because that is just not him.

Now let’s talk a bit about Leila. I like her spunk and her loyalty. But I have to say that I did have moments while reading this book where I wanted to smack her a little but everything she does, she does with good intentions. I really don’t think she has a truly selfish bone in her body. She is just a little impulsive and doesn’t always think when she is about to jump into danger head first. But her heart is what keeps me from strangling her. Her innocence is a nice contrast to Vlad’s character and it is just another thing that makes them a good match.

I did have one other little issue with Leila but I’ll get to that in a minute.

The overall story in the book was gripping. Someone is after Leila. But why? And who? And why? And are they really after Leila or are they after Leila to get to Vlad? Lots of questions and twists that keep you turning the pages and the end is great. Not quite a cliffhanger but it definitely makes you want to pick up the next book as soon as it hits shelves.

Unfortunately I had two little issues with this book. Teeny tiny ones. One, I didn’t quite understand why Vlad gave Max the okay to ‘give it a go’ with Leila in the first book and I didn’t quite understand why there is another attempt this time around either. Again, I won’t go into specifics but it felt forced to me. That could also have to do with my knowing that Leila will end up with Vlad in the end because Jeaniene has said so but to me it just felt like she was trying to generate tension and want by creating a love triangle where there really isn’t one.

My second little beef is has to do with Leila and her acceptance of ‘all that is Vlad’. Vlad is a borderline jerk, in the very best of ways. He has been around a loooong time and is pretty set in his ways. There is a reason he has been around as long as he has – he is feared, determined and fierce. Then Leila walks in and she isn’t fan of all that Vlad is. Yeah…I can see how some of the things he does would be a little hard to stomach but it’s who he is after all. She claims she doesn’t want him to change, that she loves him exactly as he is, but in the next breath she’ll comment about how cruel he can be to those who betray him. Um…of course he’s like that! He’s Vlad! I didn’t love how Leila expected more even though Vlad specifically told her how he is and how things were to go down. He really does compromise a lot (for him) yet she didn’t seem to think it was enough. I shook my head at that, at her naïve way of seeing love. Yes, this was her first ‘real’ relationship thanks to her ‘gift’ so she is naturally going to have some growing up to do, but her comments and expectations still jiggled me the wrong way every now and then.

I adore Vlad. I have since the first time we meet him in Jeaniene’s Night Huntress books. I think he is a very interesting and complex character and I feel he is well written. It’s not easy for an author to write such a harsh man yet make him likeable and relatable. Yet Jeaniene does that. I think he and Leila are a goof couple, and now that they seem to have their kinks worked out, they have the potential to be a great one. I hope, with everything that happens in this book, that things will be a smoother ride for them in the next book. And even with my little beefs, I really did enjoy this book.

The Night Prince series is a must-read for fans of, not only paranormal romance, but also fans of heroes who are frustrating, cunning, clever and incredibly sexy. Jeaniene does it again with Twice Tempted.

4.5 stars

Giggle worthy quote –

“’Dad, I know you have certain opinions about Vlad, but once you get to know him, I’m sure – ‘ I began, only to have Vlad’s chuckle stop me.

‘That won’t help because he is right. I am a violent man and I always have been. Why, when I was half his age and human, I invited the local nobles to my home for a feast. While they still had food hanging from their lips, I slaughtered them all and counted it an excellent evening.’

I’m super excited for this book! I also liked Vlad first thing when he was introduced in the Night Huntress books. I thought his relationship with Cat was comical.
BTW, any idea when/if more Cat/Bones books are coming?

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I'm Julie and this blog is all about Romance and Urban Fantasy Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Slices of Life and Silly Stuff Too!

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I loved, loved, loved this book! I will definitely read it again and recommend it to anyone who will listen!
5 stars with extra lovin'! Not only am I going to re-read this book and recommended it often, but I will most likely cuddle with it a little too!
I loved this book. I will most likely pick it up again someday.
I truly enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but I don't see myself reading it again.
I was disappointed with this book. It was only okay and I skimmed through a few parts.
I really want to find the person who suggested this book and ask them why they thought reading it would be a valuable way to spend my ME time!